Soy Sauce Basmati Rice with Minced Beef and Vegetables

During a recent trip to Lexington, Massachusetts we were snowed in by a ridiculous snow and ice storm event. With very few dining options, a hotel that didn’t have dine-in options, it was a challenge to figure out what to feed five hungry teenage boys. Rain, sleet or snow you can always rely on Asian comfort food restaurants. This time was no different, we were able to find a Thai restaurant that delivered. One of the dish we ordered was a minced chicken Thai Fried Rice. This particular dish, was incredibly delicious, although a bit too spicy.

Since that fried rice experience, I’ve been craving to re-create the dish. One of the flavors that is in many Thai dishes is fish sauce. I truly don’t care for it – it was not detectable in the dish that I ate so I decided to eliminate it from the recipe. The use of basmati rice in this re-creation added a great texture and even more flavor. Adding grass-fed minced beef intensified the taste of the meal. I sautéed the vegetables to the perfect soft crunch.The first time I made this one dish meal, I used turkey, which was also very flavorful, however, the dish did not have enough salt which made it taste like it was missing more than salt. I also used fresh basil the first time instead of thyme. The second time I tried making the dish, I added fish sauce, despite the fact that I do not like it and I added extra soy sauce – this was the worst of the first two tries.

Mission continued. This time it was the minced grass-fed beef, less soy sauce and no fish sauce that made it perfect. I kept the thyme in the recipe and the hot pepper stayed whole as it is not spicy this way (until you cut into it). This was the version of the Soy Sauce Basmati Rice with Minced Grass-Fed Beef and Vegetables that kept everyone wanting more. Enjoy.

Instructions

FOR THE RICE:

In a Dutch Oven pot, add the basmati rice, salt and water. Bring to a boil over high heat Turn the heat to low and simmer for 14 minutes – until all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork, cover and set aside while you cook the meat and vegetables.

Heat a wok or heavy bottom pot over high heat. Add one tablespoon of the sesame oil. Add the minced beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Stir, breaking up the minced meat as it cooks. Continue cooking the minced meat until it is no longer pink and lightly brown – about 7 to 8 minutes.

Remove the minced meat with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add one tablespoon sesame oil to the wok or pan. When the oil is nice and hot, add the broccoli, string beans, onions and whole hot pepper. Stir frequently and cook for 3 minutes.